Introduction to Designing Magnetoencephalography Experiments

Steven Stufflebeam

MGH-NMR Center, Massachusetts General Hospital

Abstract:
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is coming to the Charlestown MGH-NMR center. By early next year you will be able to design and run your own experiments. I will introduce the topic of MEG and relate it to the more familiar fMRI and electroencephalography (EEG). In particular, I will discuss the neurophysiological origins of the MEG and EEG signals in the brain. The conundrum of determining the location of the source of the MEG signal, the so-called inverse problem, will be introduced. In this context, both the advantages and limitations of MEG will be discussed. My current research work of localizing electromagnetic oscillations will also be introduced. Specific fMR statistically weighting can be used to test specific hypotheses about the timing of a particular neural event, information lacking in fMR images. A major take-home message of the seminar is that both MEG and EEG should be acquired simultaneously. MEG/EEG is an exciting addition to the functional imaging capabilities of the MGH-NMR Center, and it is hoped that you will make use of this exciting technology.

The lecture will take place:

in Room 401, 44 Cummington St.
on Thursday, December 6, 2001
at 4:00 pm